Case study 28.1

Possible answer to: What has been the impact of John’s illness on Mary’s life?

One way the impact can be seen is to view it from psychological, physical and social perspectives. These include:

Psychological

• Burden of caring for John.
• Conflict between Mary and her husband.
• Conflict between Mary and John.
• Increased stress.
• Increased safety concerns.
• Reduced access to support to reduce stress.
• Internal stigmatisation.
• Worry about the future.

Physical

• Tiredness due to lack of sleep.
• Physical problems associated with old age.

Social

• Loss of social support.
• Loss of employment opportunities.
• Reduced leisure activities.
• Reduced financial resources.

Possible answer to: What support could be offered to Mary and her husband by John’s mental health nurse?

The range of support could include:

• Helping to understand how mental health issues have impacted upon John’s behaviour.
• Allowing Mary to discuss her thoughts and feelings.
• Information about carer support services from the public and charity sectors.
• Developing Mary’s coping strategies to help her deal more effectively with the difficulties she faces.
• Examine the possibility of respite care being offered to John.
• A Carer Assessment to assess the needs of Mary and her husband.
• Explore the possibility for family work between Mary and her husband and/or Mary, her husband and John.
• Discuss with Mary future options for John’s care when she and her husband are unable to care for him.